"Those who had been bitten by the serpents might have delayed to look. They might have questioned how there could be efficacy in that brazen symbol. They might have demanded a scientific explanation. But no explanation was given. They must accept the word of God to them through Moses. To refuse to look was to perish. DA 175.1"
"And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived."
The EGW passage directly alludes to the events and consequences described in Numbers 21:9, emphasizing the importance of faith and obedience in accepting God's provision for healing.
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:"
The EGW passage directly references the event of Moses lifting up the serpent and connects it to the need to accept God's word, which is the core of John 3:14's symbolism.
"Not through controversy and discussion is the soul enlightened. We must look and live. Nicodemus received the lesson, and carried it with him. He searched the Scriptures in a new way, not for the discussion of a theory, but in order to receive life for the soul. He began to see the kingdom of heaven as he submitted himself to the leading of the Holy Spirit. DA 175.2"
"It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Both passages emphasize the importance of spiritual understanding and the role of the Spirit in receiving life. The EGW passage speaks of Nicodemus receiving life for the soul through the Holy Spirit, while John 6:63 states that the Spirit gives life.
"There are thousands today who need to learn the same truth that was taught to Nicodemus by the uplifted serpent. They depend on their obedience to the law of God to commend them to His favor. When they are bidden to look to Jesus, and believe that He saves them solely through His grace, they exclaim, “How can these things be?” DA 175.3"
"Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be?"
The EGW passage directly quotes Nicodemus's question from John 3:9, making a clear and intentional connection.
"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
The EGW passage directly contrasts dependence on obedience to the law with salvation through grace, which is the central theme of Ephesians 2:8.
"And the Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live."
The EGW passage explicitly refers to the story of the uplifted serpent in Numbers 21:8 and uses it as an analogy for looking to Jesus for salvation.
"Like Nicodemus, we must be willing to enter into life in the same way as the chief of sinners. Than Christ, “there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12 . Through faith we receive the grace of God; but faith is not our Saviour. It earns nothing. It is the hand by which we lay hold upon Christ, and appropriate His merits, the remedy for sin. And we cannot even repent without the aid of the Spirit of God. The Scripture says of Christ, “Him hath God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.” Acts 5:31 . Repentance comes from Christ as truly as does pardon. DA 175.4"
"Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."
EGW directly quotes Acts 4:12.
"Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins."
EGW directly quotes Acts 5:31.
"How, then, are we to be saved? “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,” so the Son of man has been lifted up, and everyone who has been deceived and bitten by the serpent may look and live. “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29 . The light shining from the cross reveals the love of God. His love is drawing us to Himself. If we do not resist this drawing, we shall be led to the foot of the cross in repentance for the sins that have crucified the Saviour. Then the Spirit of God through faith produces a new life in the soul. The thoughts and desires are brought into obedience to the will of Christ. The heart, the mind, are created anew in the image of Him who works in us to subdue all things to Himself. Then the law of God is written in the mind and heart, and we can say with Christ, “I delight to do Thy will, O my God.” Psalm 40:8 . DA 175.5"
"The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."
EGW directly quotes John 1:29.
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up:"
EGW directly quotes John 3:14.
"I delight to do thy will, O my God: yea, thy law is within my heart."
Ellen White directly references Psalms 40:8 in this passage.
"And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived."
EGW alludes to the story of the serpent in the wilderness, drawing a parallel between looking at the serpent and looking to Christ for salvation. While not a direct quote, the connection is clear and intentional.